Free spay, neuter program set today

Every town, in every state, faces a crisis of too many homeless animals. In the United States, it is estimated that nearly 8 million homeless animals enter animal shelters each year.

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Wayne Independent - Honesdale, PA

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Posted Oct. 9, 2012 at 12:00 AM

Posted Oct. 9, 2012 at 12:00 AM

WAYNE COUNTY

- Every town, in every state, faces a crisis of too many homeless animals. In the United States, it is estimated that nearly 8 million homeless animals enter animal shelters each year.

Fortunately, the Olga and Dorothea Dessin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is available to help. Dessin, in cooperation with the Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (EPAA), and sponsored, in part, by the John and Helen Villaume Foundation, will offer feline spay and neuter surgeries, at no charge, through EPAA's surgical van Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the Fred Miller Pavilion, 640 Main St. in Honesdale.

"Spaying and neutering helps reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals in our community. Stray cats get into garbage, damage property, carry disease and can even cause auto accidents. On average, a non-spayed, fertile cat will produce two litters in one year. In seven years, her offspring can produce 420,000 cats!" says executive director Dara Coslett Granza.

Due to the limited amount of surgeries that could be safely performed between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and the cost per spay/neuter, vouchers for the free surgeries were available, first come – first serve, beginning 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Dessin Animal Shelter, 138 Miller Dr., Honesdale.

They were limited to two, per household, and to Wayne County residents only, with proper proof of residency. By 3 p.m., Sept. 4, all 45 free vouchers had been claimed.